Feature: Why Rock Isn't Dead!

Last week a British newspaper, The Guardian, released an article that claimed rock was dead, after statistics revealed that only three "rock" singles made the top 100 best-selling singles of 2010. What followed next was a poorly researched piece, where the writer suggested that the major stadium rock act; in case the example used was Bon Jovi, would not be around for much longer and that "Promoters are panicking" because of this. Whilst the three "rock" singles were Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'', 'Hey, Soul Sister' by Train and 'Dog Days are Over' by Florence + the Machine; three tracks that are in my opinion more pop then rock.

I'll admit rock music as a whole isn't as "mainstream" as it was but to declare it "dead" is plainly ridiculous. Yes single sales are down, but in reality how influential and important is the single format in the digital age? For many bands I would think not much. Of course album sales do play a part in declaring a bands success but so does ticket sales, and from a fans perspective the live music sector is rather strong at the moment, with more bands touring more often and more festivals springing year after year.

In addition claiming that the era of the stadium rock band is over is terribly wrong, just look at the likes of Muse, Foo Fighters and Green Day who in the last few years have held major stadium shows on their own. On top of that rock/alternative music make up a large proportion of the UK festival market, with Leeds and Reading, Download, Sonisphere and even the Slam Dunk Festival growing on a yearly basis.

Whilst the UK "underground" scene is incredibly strong and thriving, with endless bands to be excited about. Most notably bands such as We Are The Ocean, Architects, Lower Than Atlantis and Blitz Kids have been tipped for bigger things in various circles, including this very site. Some UK bands are even breaking through into the "mainstream" for example You Me At Six and Young Guns; both have been given regular national radio airplay.

Add to that the fact that numerous UK bands are making themselves known across the Atlantic; Bring Me The Horizon and You Me At Six have been involved with major North American tours, whilst the likes of Gallows and The Blackout have played the Warped Tour in recent years. Whereas Epitaph Records, a major US independent label in recent times, have highlighted the growth of independent British rock, with Bring Me The Horizon and Frank Turner making a strong impact on the label, whilst up and coming punk band, Sharks recently joined up with Rise Records to form their own label.

Some maybe wondering, "if rock is still going strong, why aren't the figures showing this?" The internet maybe an easy target to blame for the downfall in both singles and album sales, but it has brought out positives. As previously stated more bands are touring; although some don't have a long shelf life, thanks to the online methods such as social networking, blogs, webzines etc, bands have been given the opportunity to be given more exposure. The knock on affect is clear to see, more tours, more festivals and more bands getting heard. Whilst as a fan and a writer it is hard to work your way through the good and the bad, on the whole its a fact that British alternative music is thriving.

Whilst some newspapers/publications are still waiting for the new Arctic Monkeys or Oasis (as much as I have a soft spot for Brother, they're more or less a poor intimation of classic Oasis,) and at the same time hyping up the latest series of the glorified karaoke contest that is (the) X-Factor, those who are fans of rock and alternative music in general and are willing to delve beyond "the mainstream" know and realise that rock isn't dead. Its a genre that will never die. It's been here for a long time and whilst the growth of hip-hop, rap, dubstep and other genres are currently making the bulk of said mainstream, declaring rock dead is a terribly foolish mistake. A stupid as it may sound but "Long Live Rock".

Words by Sean Reid (Alter The Press! Co-Editor)